Tito Jackson, Legendary Jackson 5 Guitarist, Dies at 70

Tito Jackson, one of the founding members of the legendary Jackson 5, passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday, September 15.

According to the first reports from Entertainment TonightSteve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend, revealed that Tito is believed to have suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. People The magazine later confirmed the news with Tito's nephew, Siggy Jackson.

As of this writing, the official cause of death has not been determined.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was an integral part of the Jackson family musical dynasty. Along with Michael's brothers Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie, they formed The Jackson 5 in the 1960s.

Tito's rhythm guitar and his brothers' harmonies helped the band achieve meteoric success, culminating in their signing to Motown Records in 1968. Their debut single, 'I Want You Back', became an instant sensation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as were their subsequent hits “ABC” and “I'll Be There”.

While his younger brother Michael often dominated the limelight, Tito's steady presence as a musician and performer was instrumental to the band's success. The Jackson 5's debut album, Diana Ross presents The Jackson 5 (1969), marked the beginning of their chart-topping career, with many tracks from that era becoming cultural staples.

In the 1970s, the group was renamed The Jacksons after leaving Motown. Tito continued to perform and tour with his brothers in the 1980s, contributing to albums such as Destiny and Triumphwhich enjoyed significant success on the Billboard 200 and R&B charts.

In addition to his work with The Jackson 5, Tito pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album Tito time in 2016. His single “Get It Baby” peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.

Tito's death follows the deaths of his younger brother Michael Jackson in 2009 and their father Joe Jackson, family patriarch and early manager of the Jackson 5, who died in 2018 aged 89. Michael's sudden death in 2009 from acute propofol poisoning shocked the world and his legacy as the King of Pop remains an indelible part of music history.

Tito is survived by his three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ, who formed their own music group, 3T, and numerous grandchildren. His ex-wife Delores “Dee Dee” Martes died in 1994.

Bulletin board Tito Jackson's reps have been reached for comment.